A.K. Sreejith
In Kaitapram’s words ‘Keeravani is truly a musical ascetic.’ Music without artificiality. It transcends all language boundaries. Songs like ‘Taralitaravil Mayangyo Suryamanasam…’ touched hearts.
Keeravani| Photo: ANI, Sridevi and Arvind Swamy in Devaraag song
“Sisirakala Meghamithuna Ratiparagamo…” can’t be ignored. So the songs flow and in Malayalam, when talking about Keeravani.
Keeravani directed songs in films like Nilgiri, Devaragam, Suryamanasam and Swarnachamaram. Even though Keeravani who composed the song does not know Malayalam, the songs are always Malayalam.
Though he did not know Malayalam and he did not know Telugu, there was no distance between them when it came to singing, said the poet PK who wrote the song ‘Thumbi nin Moham Poovaninuwo…’ in ‘Nilgiri’. Gopi. “Both of us spoke from the heart. Music is the name of that language spoken with love.”
“Keeravani’s habit is to write songs after tuning. I like to write freely. But not always. After writing the tune, he sang it on the phone. He was congratulating by saying correct sir, correct sir. He has no qualms about respecting others.” -Gopi remembers the time when they made a song together.
A mat that he brings himself will be lined with harmonium. Harmonium meets the first tune. There is even a formal conversation only after work. PK said that no one else has seen such dedication. Gopi.
Kaitapram Damodaran Namboothiri, who composed a song with Keeravani in ‘Suryamanasa’, said that on one side of the harmonium there will be images of Mookambikadevi and on the other end of Amma. Kaitapram also remembers that Keeravani changed a lot when he went to the Mookambika temple when he was living a cool life. Then he became a Sangeethapasan.
He starts composing by slowly reciting a verse from ‘Soundaryalahari’. “Keeravani used to sing songs softly. The songs in Suryamanasam were easily written for the tune he set. Kaitapram remembers that the film was named after the line in the song.
In Kaitapram’s words ‘Keeravani is truly a musical ascetic.’ Music without artificiality. It transcends all language boundaries. Songs like ‘Taralitaravil Mayangyo Suryamanasam…’ touched hearts.
Koduri Maragatamani was called Keeravani by his father Sivashaktidutta who wanted his son to be known by the name of his favorite raga.
He is known to music lovers as a favorite like that raga.
Content Highlights: MM keeravani, golden globe awards, RRR song, Malayalam Films, devaragam
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